Dear Friends and Acton Conservation Trust Members,
The following events may be of interest:
Now – May 31
May is American Wetlands Month
This is a call to celebrate one of nature’s most productive ecosystems! – from https://www.fws.gov/wetlands-month
The 2009-2019 Wetlands Status and Trends report found that net wetland loss increased by 50% over the past decade with vegetated wetlands, like marshes and swamps, being disproportionately impacted. These wetlands are disappearing so quickly that 670,000 acres were lost between 2009 and 2019, an area approximately equal to the land area of Rhode Island. These losses lead to the reduced health, safety, and prosperity of all Americans, as well as the decline of commercially, culturally, and recreationally valuable species. For more information visit https://www.fws.gov/wetlands-month
Saturday, May 4 (Rain date May 11)
Guided Walk Through Harvard’s Horse Meadows Knoll and a portion of the Muller Trail sponsored by Harvard Conservation Trust
1-2:30 PM – explore between these hours
Horse Meadows Knoll, 45 Sherry Road, HarvardJoin the Harvard Conservation Trust for a guided walk through the conservation land at Horse Meadows Knoll and a portion of the Muller Trail where you will meet and talk with local forestry experts about forest health.
You will: learn how to recognize hallmarks of a robust forest, identify invasive species, see the work Harvard Conservation Trust is doing to restore the land once compromised by invasive species.
Come, dive into nature, understand your land better, and become more aware of Harvard’s beautiful forests. Together, let’s embark on this journey towards a brighter, greener future! 1.4-mile round trip without any steep terrain.
Saturday May 4, 2024
Kissacook Hill Guided Hike, Westford
9:00 – 10:30 am
Park at Norman E. Day School lot, 75 E. Prescott St., Westford, MA 01886
Trail Description: Join Trust Director Rich Strazdas for a hike on the third highest point in Westford (416 ft). Enjoy a fun hike along the almost mile long trail behind the Day School. Parts of the trail are steep, but footing is good. There are benches along the way. At the top of the hill is an old classroom. See if you can spot the fading red numbers that mark native flora. Sociable dogs on leash are welcome. Walk is free of charge, no sign up is required. For more information contact Rich at 508-340-8775. . Our guided hikes take place rain or shine! Come prepared.
Tuesday, May 7
Living With Wildlife in Massachusetts
10:30-11:30 AM
St. Matthews Church, 435 Central St., Acton
Wednesdays, May 8 -June 5
I Hiked Acton’s Trails Challenge
2:30 pm-4:00 pm
Location sent out the Sunday before each hike.
Walk (or wheelchair) trails in Acton’s conservation areas with the goal of earning a sticker and a sew-on patch! This weekly set of walks is a joint effort between Acton Conservation Department and Acton Conservation Trust. We hope to complete 9 of 22 conservation land walks and may continue the challenge next fall.
All ages are welcome!, Register for one hike or all nine! All children must be accompanied by an adult.
REGISTER HERE! For more information or questions, please contact Jody Harris at jharris.actonconservationtrust@gmail.com or Ian Bergemann at ibergemann@acton-ma.gov
Thursdays, May 9 to June 27
Welcome to the Nagog Hill Conservation Land Workday Sign Up!
3 pm
Nagog Hill Conservation Land
Ian Bergemann, Contact
Every Thursday we will meet at Nagog Hill Conservation Land starting at 3:00 pm!
Please use the sign up below to register for dates you are available to join us! You will receive a reminder a few days before the dates you signed up for!
We will be managing invasive species, improving trail conditions, and enhancing habitat!
Please prepare for the workday by bringing the following:
Work clothes that may get dirty, ripped, or stained!
Water, Water, Water!
Work gloves! Bring your own or email us to borrow a pair!
A snack!
Extra stuff like bug spray, sunblock, hats, closed toed shoes, and anything else to work outdoors and be safe!
The Tools: We will provide tools for the job! Or you can bring your own!
For more information click on https://link.edgepilot.com/s/9042328c/ovmHJP50Q0WP40PSmOdEMg?u=https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084EAAAB2FAAFCC16-48667738-volunteer%23/
Thank you for signing up and if you have any questions please email ibergemann@actonma.gov
Thursday, May 9
Acton: 4000 to 7000 Years Ago by local archaeologist Kimberley Connors
7-8:30 PM
Acton Memorial Library
Extending a popular talk Ms. Connors gave last year, 4000 to 7000 Years Ago focuses specifically on Acton’s archeological sites from the Middle Archaic period (4000-7000 years before present). The most well-known of these is the Pine Hawk site in South Acton, but there are several other sites along the Assabet River and its tributaries.
This program brings our local landscape alive by looking at why indigenous people were so attracted to this region. Through the artifacts and excavations of local archaeological sites, people can look beyond the glare of the modern to the contours of the land and understand more about Indigenous people and how they thrived here for millennia. Ms. Connors will lead a walk through the Trail through Time a short time later on May 18, so people can see firsthand some of the landscape and sites described in this lecture.
Register HERE to attend in person or via Zoom.
Thursday, May 9,
Coyote, America’s Songdog
7:00 PM
Free Zoom Program
Geri Vistein, a conservation biologist, will take us on a journey to discover Coyote, an important and resilient carnivore. Vistein will center on perceptions and relationships within a coyote family, and between coyotes and Indigenous People, European Americans, other wildlife, and the
wider ecosystem.
Hosted by Lincoln Land Conservation Trust and Lincoln Conservation Department
Sunday, May 12
Happy Mother’s Day
May 14
ACT Spring Bird Walk
7:00am-9:00am
It’s time to dust off your binoculars, and join ACT and Al Sgroi for a few hours of bird watching and identifying. The birds are back in town and registration for this event is open! This is a walk for all levels of birders, experienced to beginner, but no pets are allowed at this event. We will walk 1-2 miles on various surface trails. Bring your binoculars, water, sun protection and bug repellent. Some loaner binoculars will be available.
Register for the Spring Bird Walk here. Once registered, you’ll get an email a few days before the event with location and parking information.
Saturday, May 18
Spring Archaeology Walk
Noon-2 PM in North Acton
Local archaeologist Kimberley Connors will lead a two-mile hike focusing on Native American features along the Trail Though Time in North Acton. Registrants will receive an email with details a few days before the walk. Limited to the first 20 people to sign up, ages 15 and up. (Rain Date, Sunday, May 19, noon-2PM).
Register HERE to walk.
Wednesday, May 18
2024 Lincoln Conservation Trust’s (LLCT) 5th Annual Pollinator Plant Sale
10am-11am: LLCT Members*
11am-1pm: Open to the Public
Lincoln Station, 145 Lincoln Rd, Lincoln MA
Launched as part of LLCT’s effort to restore native pollination systems in Lincoln, the pollinator plant sale is a way to help our community access native plants at a reasonable cost and plant them in their own gardens, expanding Lincoln’s “pollinator pathway” through town and beyond.
This year’s plant sale will be in-person only (no pre-orders). Join us on May 18th at Cash, card, check, and Venmo accepted. Plants available on a first come, first served basis.
*All are welcome to join or renew their membership when they check out at the sale. Not sure if you’re a current member? Just email us and we can let you know.
Wednesday, May 22
Wetlands Lecture by Acton’s Ian Bergemann
6-8 PM
Acton Memorial LibraryActon Memorial Library 486 Main Street, Acton, Meeting Rooms A and B
Ever wondered how wetlands are created? Or what critters call wetlands home? Or how wetlands will be impacted by climate change? Join Ian Bergemann, Land Stewardship Coordinator, as he explains the formation of wetlands and the species that depend on this unique natural resource! He will also explore how climate change will impact wetlands and what protections exist for them!
Open to adults and teens. Registration is suggested but not required to attend. https://actonmemoriallibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/rs-programming-hold-72/
Thursday, May 23
Full Flower Moon
According to the Farmers Almanac, the May moon cycle is known as the Flower Moon in the Northern Hemisphere because it occurs during the time of year when everything is in bloom.
May’s full Flower Moon reaches peak illumination at 9:53 A.M. (EDT) on Thursday, May 23. It will be below the horizon at this time, so plan to venture outdoors on the nights of the 22nd and the 23rd to get the best view of the bright, full Flower Moon! Find a location with unobstructed views of the horizon, if possible. For more information visit https://www.almanac.com/full-moon-may.
Friday, May 24
Acton Center Walking Tours Led by Amy Cole
1:50 PM (Rain date, Saturday, May 25th)
Meet Amy at the Acton Memorial Library parking lot
The walk is free, but registration is needed and capped at 20 attendees per walk. Registration link:: https://tinyurl.com/ACWTMAY24.
Tour leader Amy Cole grew up near Acton Center and knows the Town well. She has a wide ranging-interest in Acton’s unique history. Walking Acton’s historic civic center, you will learn about the people, places and practices that shaped the town’s history and our nation’s as well. Topics include Native American history, the role of the church, the importance of Captain Isaac Davis and the Acton Minutemen, nearby historic buildings, memorials and more. The mile walk will take a little less than two hours.
Wednesday, May 29
The Empire Strikes Back, and Resistance Becomes Revolution
7pm
Acton Town Hall, 472 Main Street, Room 204
Last September Professor Bob Allison inaugurated the Acton 250 Lectures Series with an account of the Boston Tea Party of 1773 and the pivotal events that sparked the American Revolution. He returns to explain the critical changes occurring in the year 1774 when the Crown’s response solidified the colonial opposition. Register at https://tinyurl.com/AllisonMay29https://tinyurl.com/AllisonMay29. Remote Participation: You can participate in the Q&A using ZOOM http://tinyurl.com/Acton250-ZOOMhttp://tinyurl.com/Acton250-ZOOM or watch live at Acton TV http://tinyurl.com/Acton-TV. This is the fifth lecture in the Acton 250 Series.
Prof. Allison is renowned for his expertise in American colonial history, and the political, social, and economic factors that converged in the 18th century, leading to Massachusetts’ significant role in the creation of the American nation. He has taught history at Suffolk University since 1992 upon receiving his doctorate at Harvard University. He chairs Revolution 250, a consortium of organizations planning commemorations of the Revolution’s 250th anniversary and is a life-trustee of the USS Constitution Museum.
Saturday, June 1
Household Hazardous Waste Day
9-11:30 AM
For more information visit bit.ly/3UOz6uR; Questions, contact Acton Health Department at 978-929-9632
Saturday, June 8
National Trails Day
National Trails Day on the first Saturday in June recognizes all the incredible benefits federal, state and local trails provide for recreation and exposure nature. Events held throughout the United States help promote awareness of the wide variety of services the trails systems offer. The day encourages people to discover their local trails, become active concerning trail issues, and share their excitement for the outdoors. Visit https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/national-trails-day-first-saturday-in-june# for more information.
Friday, June 21
Summer Solstice Bike Ride
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm (rain date June 22);
Pedal Power Bike & Ski, 176 Great Road (Rt. 2A) Acton, MA 01720; Parking available across Great Road.
Contact Tom Michelman: tmichelman@gmail.com
ANNOUNCEMENTS
No Mow Is Now! – From Lincoln Common Ground of Mothers Out Front, Lincoln
The No Mow May initiative is a chance to support pollinators, make a positive environmental impact, and experience the joy of flowers popping up in your own yard. The first flowers of spring are a critical food source for wildlife. Pollinating insects are an important part of the ecosystem, and their numbers are in decline from habitat loss and climate change. With No Mow May you can do less yard work and make a difference!
Hold off mowing for the month-or even longer. Say no to herbicides and pesticides. If you are not ready to take the full plunge, try leaving a section of your lawn un-mown or mow paths through your lawn and around edges. For more information visit https://www.lincolncommonground.com/
THE ACTON EXCHANGE
Acton’s local news source; visit actonexchange.org for current articles of interest to all of the Town. Acton’s new online newspaper!
Letters to the Exchange. The Acton Exchange is now publishing Letters. In this debut moment, we publish 22 of your letters to the editor. If you have questions about the Acton Exchange, your new local Acton news source, or you would like to volunteer in any capacity, please email info@actonexchange.org.
If you would like to submit a letter to be considered for publication on our Letters page, please follow the directions on our Letters Policy page.
Garlic Mustard Season
It’s garlic mustard season again! Help manage this invasive plant across town by pulling on your own property.
Garlic mustard season runs from April 15th through June 14th.
JOBS
Call for Community Planning Process Volunteers – Paid Role
The Town of Acton is looking for up to 5 community members to join a climate resilience planning process! Volunteers will receive a stipend of $2,400 during the 9-month process. For more information, visit Official Website | Acton MA
See you on the trails!!
Susan Mitchell-Hardt
President, Acton Conservation Trust
www.ActonConservationTrust.org
P.S. Welcome new “Events of Interest” subscribers! As a non-profit organization focused on conserving land in Acton, we rely upon the support of our members. Visit our ACT website, and click on “Join Us”